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I am in the process of planning a passage up the Amazon river as far as Manaus in a 60m Motor Yacht.
I am trying to gather as much information on pilotage, safety/security, provisioning etc...
If anyone has done this trip previously in a yacht, any information would be greatly appreciated.

I know that a couple of Feadships, Charade and Meduse travelled together 2700nm up to the Peruvian border, if you look on this website (Captain Scott Teele) he mentions he was the Captain of Charade at the time http://www.steelemarine.com/projects.html Probably your best advice would come from him if he's willing. I did also read somwhere about AffAirAction running the security so look them up too.

I would suggest getting someone local who speaks the language and may know the area and also think about security procedures since that is where that sailing captain got shot buy some pirates that boarded the sailing yacht

When are you planning on doing this trip from when to when.I also need to say that you will need malaria medication to be taken by all while up there as I have heard it is a problem.I live in brazil and speak the language as a second language except don't know the area.If you are going after mid jan.I could assist if you need help.you can contact me at miki@mercercorporation.com

It's a daunting exercise in pre-planning with setting up security, river pilots, dealing with food requlations, Visas, and recommended immunizations just to mention a few. Check out "A Golden Opportunity", ShowBoats International Magazine, August 2010 issue. There is some good info on setting up, and pulling off a successful Amazon trip. Don't forget to bring lots of goodies for the children you'll encounter along the river. Bon Chance.

Take lots of insect repellant for the amazon cruising and a good medical kit including antibiotics. Also read the current news of how the water levels are, we have been having some dramatic changes there (draughts and floods). It should be a lot of fun and very pretty! ; ) Have fun.

Do watch Werner Herzog's incredible film Fitzcarraldo, made in 1982. The fascinating story of an obsessed opera lover who wants to build an opera in the jungle. Filmed on locatgion up the Amazon, Brazil and Peru using native indians in the cast and of course his lifelong alter ego Kalus Kinski. One of the greatest films ever to be made!

I am brazilan and have been sailing along the brazilan coast for many years. My best advice is to hire a local pilot in Belem. He will know everything to handle most of the official regulations and precautions you need to have a safe passage. Good luck and have a nice trip. Enjoy Brazil, you will love it.

Thank you to all for your contacts and advice. The trip will be around Mid April, so currently we are just gathering as much information as possible. As we start to confirm definite plans, I may look at the possibility of bilingual crew, but for now your tips and advice are greatly appreciated.

I took a yacht up the Amazon, 300NM past Manaus up the Rio Negro in 2008. Fairly straightforward & a trip that most people can only ever dream about! We cleared in at Macapa, about 180 NM up the river & picked up our guide, pilot & two security guards, who got off the vessel in Santarem, where we picked tham up again on our way out. Provisioning's easy & the people are fantastically friendly!!
If you'd like to call me next week, I'll be happy to give you any info on contacts etc that may be helpful. If you're in or near Lauderdale, I have local charts for the river that I'd be happy to show you. Good luck, you're about to have a phenomenal adventure!!!!!
davidmgunn@gmail.com
516-376-9836

Hi I lived in South America for a year and a half , speak english and spanish and have a great contact from a friend of mine who runs a backpackers in colombia on the pacific coast who might be able to help.Should you need extra crew i would be very keen and could cover all my own expenses whilst on the trip and perhaps could get a small yachting professional film crew together to do a documentary of the trip if that is of interest. tamsyndn@gmail.com. Thank you.

There are plenty of advices in the above, but for interest sake it was the Kiwi Sir Peter Blake that was the Captain of the expedition sail yacht Seamaster that got shot and killed by pirates. They boarded the yacht ironically the last evening before they left the river delta after travelling an amazing journey up and down without any hassles except that last night which ended in Blake being shot. The story is interesting and was shown on I think for memory, National Geo TV or similar sometime back. It may be available on DVD. The Mate onboard that trip was also a Kiwi called Olly, I understand he is now the Captain. If he is available maybe Google Seamaster Peter Blakes yacht and see what comes up, even though it was a few years ago, Olly is a likeable guy and maybe worth talking to about his trip and contacts, although, as above, there were many others up the river after Seamaster.

I'm really envious of your trip, if you need to do a rotation by any chance or you need a break, give me a call!Cheers and plane sailing......

Hi Smith,
There are soooo many things about Brazil ... very nice and very bad. I think the very nice ones are prevailing!
60m of boat is a lot of boat ... and therefore you might need somebody professional for your needs and safety advises!
Cruising the Amazon is beautiful but has it’s dangers like tidal streams and muddy water (filters), poor people (I am not saying “Pirates” – just poor, narrow minded, very poor people).
You have to really think about Malaria prophylaxis for guests and crew, yellow fever and Dengue fever … no matter how short your stay will be!!! (in the Amazon area!)
The only real advise I can give you is to contact Capt. Abraham Rosemberg from MCP Yachts in Santos. He is a Captain of the Brazilian Navy with experience and he is now a freelance Yacht Manager and project manager/sales agent of the MCP.
A very good adviser would be the CEO of MCP Yachts, Mr. Manoel Chaves and his lovely daughter Karen. They all speak English, are locals, sailors and specialists in Yachting. If you need technical assistance in Brazil … well, this is where you have to go!!!
Go to the page www.mcpyachtsw.com for more info about contact to Mrs. Karen and Mr. Manoel and say hello from me. You find Abraham on aberg@mcpyachts.com , +55 13 7805 8898
Regards
Armando

@ Capt Kaj, Thanks for the heads up, I know of the story involving Peter Blake and it is a stark reminder of the risks involved with getting off the beaten track. Every possible precaution will be undertaken to ensure the protection of the crew and the vessel, be it from pirates or piranhas.
Not sure about the rotation situation, but as you know, things change pretty quick in this industry... Will keep you posted.

@ Armando. That's some great info. Rest assured we are not going to attempt a trip like this without the best advice and support. The people that you mentioned sound like the experts I should be speaking to. I will pass on your regards. Obrigado.